HONOLULU – The unexpected and mysterious death of surfing champion Andy Irons has left the tight-knit surfing world saddened and stunned.
A police report released Wednesday said the prescription drugs Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, and the sleeping aid Ambien were found in Irons' hotel room. There were no signs of trauma and foul play.
Tarrant County Medical Examiner Nizam Peerwani said a ruling on the cause of death could take several weeks, pending the completion of lab tests.
Police were called when Irons did not answer his wake-up call and was found by hotel workers, who went to check on him. Irons was on his back with his bed covers and pillows neatly set, according to police. He had checked into the hotel Monday morning.
Irons was on a layover en route to his home on Kauai. He was returning from Puerto Rico, where he was supposed to compete in the 2010 Rip Curl Pro Search. However he withdrew on Sunday, telling tournament organizers that he had become ill during an event in Portugal.
The 32-year-old surfer claimed the world championship in 2002, '03 and '04, and was a four-time winner of the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
Irons was making a strong comeback after taking last year away from surfing. He was also looking forward to being a father. His wife, Lyndie, is expecting the couple's first child in December.
Professionally, Irons was a fierce competitor and known for his rivalry with nine-time world champion Kelly Slater. Out of the water, Irons was remembered as a humble person who loved Hawaii. He also was intensely devoted to his family, friends and fans.
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